Histories

PROTESTANT ORPHANAGE
Picnic Sports. In connection with the Geelong Protestant Orphan Asylum picnic, which was held on Wednesday last at Barwon Heads, the sports portion of the programme, which was abandoned that day on account of the heat, was run off on Thursday afternoon at the asylum. ... The following were successful in the events for boys and girls:
Boys -- ... Over 11 years ... Dick [Edward Charles b. 1894] Vienet, 3. Over 8 years ... Harry [Henry Alexander b. 1897] Vienet, 3. ...
Girls -- ... Over 7 years ... Bertha [Bertha Louise b. 1896] Vienet, 2. ... Babies ... Aleck [Alexander Frederick b. 1900] Vienet, 3.[Geelong Advertiser, 24 Jan 1906]

GEELONG PROTESTANT ORPHANAGE
Prize Distribution. The annual presentation of prizes to the children of the Geelong Protestant Orphan Asylum took place yesterday afternoon in the presence of a large number of well-wishers of the institution. ... Prior to the distribution the children contributed part songs, which were very creditably rendered. The prizes were presented by Mrs. J. W. Sayer, and the recipients as they received their awards were greeted with hearty applause. ... To specially mark the occasion, Mrs. Sayer also regaled the children with refreshments. The following is the prize list:-- ...
Class V. -- History: ... Edward Vienet. Geography: Edward Vienet. ...
Class IV. -- Arithmetic: Bertha Vienet, ...
Class III. -- First Prize: Harry Vienet. ...
Class I (Upper). -- Spelling: Eileen [Eileen Elizabeth b. 1899] Vienet ...
Class I (Lower). -- Reading: Alex. Vienet. ...[Geelong Advertiser, 21 Dec 1906]

PROTESTANT ORPHANAGE
Distribution of Prizes. The annual distribution of prizes in connection with the Protestant Orphanage took place yesterday. ... All of the children had been assembled in the large dining-room, the ceiling of which has been wholly renewed with steel. During the past couple of years the number of inmates of the orphanage has nearly doubled, and the behavior of the children reflected the greatest credit on all concerned in their management. ... A number of action songs were given splendidly by the boys and girls, who evidenced a deal of training on the part of the teachers and the matron. ... The prizes were then distributed as follows, and at the conclusion three hearty cheers were given ...
Class V. -- Arithmetic: Edward Vienet. ... Science: Edward Vienet ...
Class III. -- Arithmetic: Harry Vienet. ... Highest marks: Harry Vienet. ...
Class I. -- Eileen Vienet and ... were both presented with prizes for their good work in the class.
Before departing, the visitors had a look round the premises, which are in a very cleanly state. The gardens also are looking well, whilst the vegetable plantation produces more than is required at the institution.[Geelong Advertiser, 16 May 1908]

PROTESTANT ORPHANAGE
Concert and Distribution of Prizes. The annual concert and prize distribution in connection with the Protestant Orphanage took place last evening at the institution, and the interest shown in the work carried on there was shown in the large attendance of the public. The function took place in the large schoolroom, which was crowded to its utmost capacity, numbers of people having come long distances in order to be present. The council had thoughtfully arranged to run 'buses, all of which were loaded with passengers. The schoolroom was well decorated with flags, which hung from the walls and ceiling.
The president of the institution ... occupied the chair, and made a few introductory remarks. He referred to the good work of the matron and of the teachers, and expressed the hope that the next year would be better and more successful than the past.
A very interesting programme of action songs, recitations and other items was given by the boys and girls, whose abilities in this direction proved a revelation to those who had not previously seen them perform. ...
The distribution of prizes was then proceeded with, the valuable books and other awards being handed over by Mrs. Turner. Following is a list of the winners ...:-- ...
Class V. -- ... Geography: Harry Vienet ... Composition: Harry Vienet ...
Mr. R. C. H. Smith delivered a brief address to the children on "Kindness", and his remarks were attentively listened to. He quoted some interesting stories for the benefit of the boys and girls, and took as the text of his remarks, "Be kindly affectioned towards one another". ...[Geelong Advertiser, 12 Dec 1908]

PROTESTANT ORPHAN ASYLUM
The annual picnic of the children of the Geelong Protestant Orphan Asylum was held on Friday last at Torquay. ... The children were intent upon making the most of the day, and the beach was soon alive with little ones, who indulged in paddling and other seaside amusements. Dinner was served in the shelter shed near the mouth of the creek, and in the afternoon a sports programme was run off, and was by no means the least enjoyable part of the picnic. ...
The following were the results:-- ...
Boys' Race, under 11. -- Alexander Vienet, 1; ...
Girls, 11 and over. -- Bertha Vienet, 1; ...
Walking Race, boys. -- ... H. [Henry Alexander] Vienet, 3. ...
An early start was made on the return journey, and the asylum was reached shortly after 8. The picnic was voted one of the most enjoyable held in connection with the institution.[Geelong Advertiser, 01 Mar 1909]

GEELONG PROTESTANT ORPHANAGE
Prize Distribution. The annual distribution of prizes to the children of the Geelong and Western District Protestant Orphanage took place last evening at the institution, Herne Hill. There was a large attendence. Three drags ran out from the city, and carried full loads. ... The proceedings were of a most enthusiastic character. The visitors were highly pleased with the children, and the cleanly condition of the institution. Prior to the concert, the I.O.R. Band discoursed selections in the quadrangle. Before presenting the prizes, the chairman commented on the excellent management of the institution; the children were bright and happy, and it was evident they were well cared for. The institution was a credit to Geelong. ... The following is the prize list:-- ...
III Class. -- Spelling: Eileen Vienet. ...[Geelong Advertiser, 21 Dec 1910]

ORPHANS' PICNIC
The annual picnic of the children of the Geelong and Western District Protestant Orphanage ws held on Friday at Torquay. The weather was most delightful. In three ... large drags a start was made from the institution at eight o'clock, and the picnic party were landed at Scammell beach at 10 o'clock. By the kindness of the several property owners, their bathing boxes were placed at the disposal of the committee for the day, and soon the children found their way into the water. Dinner was served in the shelter shed in the new reserve. In the afternoon a sports programme was run off with the following results:-- ...
Girls' Race, under 11: ... E. [Emma Rose b. 1903] Vienet, 3. ...
Walking Race (girls): ... E. Vienet, 3.
Consolation Race (boys): A. [Alexander Frederick] Vienet, 1; ...
Consolation Race (girls): ... L. [Lizzie = Elizabeth Georgina] Vienet, 2; ...
A start was made for home about 5.30. The picnic was voted one of the most successful yet held.[Geelong Advertiser, 13 Mar 1911]

PROTESTANT ORPHANAGE
Prize Distribution. The annual prize distribution and Xmas entertainment of the Geelong and Western District Protestant Orphanage took place at the Institution on Wednesday. There was a large attendance of friends and relatives of the children, and two drags were engaged in bringing the visitors from the city. ... The first part of the programme consisted of songs and recitations by the children, and a cantata entitled "Soot and the Fairies", written by the Rev. Alfred Wheeler, M.A. ... On the termination of the musical programme, the prizes given by members of the committee and friends of the Orphanage were distributed ... The proceedings terminated with the singing of the National Anthem. The prize list is as follows:-- ...
Class III. -- ... Writing: S. [?= Alexander Frederick] Vienet.
Class II. -- ... Sewing: Lizzie Vienet. ...[Geelong Advertiser, 22 Dec 1911]

GEELONG PROTESTANT ORPHANAGE
Picnic at Torquay. The annual picnic of the children of the Geelong and Western District Protestant Orphanage was held on Friday at Torquay. The children left the orphanage at 8 o'clock in four large drags ..., and arrived at Torquay shortly before 10 o'clock. Picknicking being essentially the order of the day, the children and visitors soon found their way to Scammell beach, where, through the kindness of the property owners, several bathing boxes were placed at the disposal of the children, who took full advantage of them. The day being an exceptionally fine one, luncheon and tea were partaken of under the shade of the ti-tree. During the afternoon a programme of running events was negotiated with the following results:-- ...
Girls under 11.-- ... and Emma Vienet, dead heat, 3. ...
Apprentices (Boys).-- ... Harry Vienet, 2. ...
Girls' Consolation Race.-- ... Eileen Vienet, 3. ...
The president introduced the Mayoress of Geelong West ..., who in a few appropriate remarks thanked the committee for honoring her by asking her to present the prizes to the winners; at the instance of the president three hearty cheers were given for the Mayoress. ... A start for home was made at 6.30, and Geelong was reached before 9. The picnic was considered by the children and the many visitors one of the most enjoyable yet held.[Geelong Advertiser, 26 Feb 1912]

PROTESTANT ORPHANS' PRIZES
Bairns in a Cantata. Instead of holding the annual prize demonstration at the Protestant Orphanage, where only a handful of people can see the children in the happiest moments of the year, the committee wisely presented them at the Mechanics' Hall last night in the Rev. Alfred Wheeler's cantata "Soot and the Fairies", and a packed house was delighted with the excellence of the performance. The fairy story of a crusade against dirt through the homely corrective of soap was admirably told by the children. ... A short address was given by the Mayor of Newtown and Chilwell ..., who eulogised the president ... for his hard work for the institution. In speaking on the matter of finance the Mayor made allusion to the introduction of the maternity bonus and said there were many parents who would not avail themselves of it. They should think of the orphans who were already here, and the Government might set apart £250,000 for the orphans annually. Failing that, a charity tax was the only way of having the charities supported by everybody as they should be. The City Mayoress ... distributed a fine lot of prizes, and some of the little dots who gained honors had enthusiastic receptions. ... Appended is the prize list:-- ...
Grade V: Eileen Vienet, arithmetic, geography, spelling and sewing; ...
Grade IV: Alex Vienet, arithmetic and sloyd; ... Lizzie Vienet, sewing. ...
Special Prizes.-- ... Bertha Vienet, ... good conduct; ... and Harry Vienet, garden work. ...[Geelong Advertiser, 03 Dec 1912]

PROTESTANT ORPHANAGE
The annual picnic of the children of the Geelong and Western District Protestant Orphanage was held on Friday at Portarlington. ... The children were conveyed by the s.s. Coogee to Portarlington and back, free of charge, and the warmest thanks of the committee are extended to the company for their very welcome action in this matter. ... On arrival the youngsters, who were well provided with bathing suits, soon took to the water, and it was noticed that the great majority of the boys and girls were well able to swim. Luncheon was served in the rotunda in the park at 12 noon, to which the children did ample justice. In the afternoon a series of races for nice prizes was run off. ... The following were the results of the races:--
Boys, 11 and over: A. [Alexander Frederick] Vienet. ...
Girls, 11 and over: ..., Eileen Vienet. ...
Girls, under 11: Lizzie Vienet, ...
Tea was served at 5 o'clock, at the termination of which the president ... took the opportunity of specially thanking Mr. W. Plain, M.L.A., and in doing so referred to the very great interest Mr. Plain had always taken in matters pertaining to the orphanage .... Mr. Plain had been present at the deputation to the Treasurer urging the claims of the institution for increased aid from the Government, and always been ready to help in the work now being carried on by the committee. That afternoon he had donated £1 towards the prize fund for the afternoon's sports. Mr. Plain, in responding, expressed the very great pleasure he felt in being present at the picnic, and he was particularly struck with the healthy, happy and well-cared for appearance of the children. He said any services he could render at any time to further the claims of the institution with the government would be cheerfully given. At the instance of the president three hearty cheers were given for Mr. Plain. ... The thanks of the committee are also extended to the committee of the Portarlington Progress Association, who placed their grounds and buildings, and also an abundant supply of hot water, at the disposal of the committee, and also decorated the buildings with a good display of bunting in honor of the occasion.[Geelong Advertiser, 24 Feb 1913]

PROTESTANT ORPHANAGE
Cantata and Distribution of Prizes. The pretty and tuneful cantata, "Prince Hal and his Dog", composed by the Rev. Alfred Wheeler, of All Saints' Church, Newtown, was produced successfully at the Mechanics' Hall on Monday evening, before a large and appreciative audience, by the children of the Geelong and Western District Protestant Orphanage. ...
The Mayoress of Geelong ... distributed the prizes to the Orphanage children. The prizes were taken as follows ...
V Grade.-- ... Alex Vienet, geography. ...
IV Grade.-- ... Emm. [Emma Rose] Vienet, grammar; ...[Geelong Advertiser, 03 Dec 1913]

PROTESTANT ORPHANAGE PICNIC
The annual picnic of the children of the Geelong and Western District Protestant Orphanage was held on Friday at Portarlington. The children and staff travelled to and from Portarlington by the s.s. Coogee free of charge, and ... provided vans for their conveyance from the orphanage to the wharf in the morning, and home again in the evening. ... Luncheon was served at 12 in the rotunda in the park. In the afternoon a sports gathering was run off. A most successful competition in sand castle building ... was held, and evoked a large amount of interest alike in competitors and spectators. ... Many of the children indulged in swimming during the afternoon, and on account of the proficiency exhibited by them it is proposed to hold swimming matches at next year's picnic. The thanks of the committee are tendered to the captain, officers and staff of the s.s. Coogee, who spared no effort to make the passage to and from Portarlington enjoyable to the children, and the chief engineer kindly allowed the elder boys into the engine-room in relays, and explained the workings of the engines to them. ... Results:-- ...
Apprentice Girls' Race: ... and Eileen Vienet, equal for first; ...
Girls under 11: ...; Emma Vienet, 2; ...
Special Prizes (girls over 12): ...; Eliz. Vienet, 2.
Boys' Consolation Race: A. Vienet, 1; ...
Sand Castle Competitions --
Boys over 13: ... and A. Vienet, equal. ...
Girls under 11: Emma Vienet, 1.
The picknickers arrived home shortly after 8 o'clock, having spent a most enjoyable day at Portarlington, which was voted an ideal spot for children's picnics, the accommodation for such being excellent.[Geelong Advertiser, 29 Mar 1914]

PROTESTANT ORPHANAGE SPEECH DAY
Supporters of the Protestant Orphanage were present in force at the distribution of prizes by the Mayor ... in the Town Hall yesterday. ... The Mayor congratulated the committee on the happy and healthful appearance of the children. Boys and girls from the Orphanage were to be found throughout Australia, and generally they had done well for themselves and admitted that their success was due to the training and influence of the institution. He was a great believer in environment, and everything was in the children's favor at the institution. ... It spoke volumes for the teaching that the boys and girls were eagerly sought after on attaining the age to leave. He trusted that funds would always be available for the noble work. A vote of thanks to the Mayor was proposed ... and carried. The Mayor called for three cheers for the matron, which were warmly given.
The Mayor presented the prizes, with a word of encouragement to each recipient, as follows:--
Class VI.-- ... Sloyd: Alex Vienet. ...
Special Prizes:-- ... best general conduct (girls), Eileen Vienet; ...
Sunday School Prize List.
1st Girls.-- ...; Eileen Vienet, 265½, 3; ...
1st Boys.-- ...; Alex Vienet, 101, 2; ...
3rd Girls.-- ...; Emma Vienet, 2; ...[Geelong Advertiser, 19 Dec 1914]

PROTESTANT ORPHANS' PICNIC
Happy Day at Portarlington; But Many of the Children Cannot Swim. The annual picnic of the children of the Geelong and Western District Protestant Orphanage was held on Friday at Portarlington. By kindness ... the children were conveyed to the scene of the day's outing by the s.s. Coogee, free of charge, and ... generously provided vans which took the children to the boat in the morning, and home again to the Orphanage in the evening. The drivers of the vans also helped by not making any charge for their overtime. The committee's thanks are tendered to them. For luncheon at 12 o'clock, a large rotunda was placed at the disposal of the committee by the Portarlington Progress Association. In the afternoon a swimming contest was held,and it was regretted that more children were not able to swim. It is hoped that as a result of the swimming baths, which it is contemplated to erect at the Orphanage, all the children will be able to swim next year. A sports programme was conducted .... The judges had a difficult position to fill, as so many of the competitors claimed to be first.
The following were the results:--
Boys over 11: ...; A. [Alexander Frederick] Vienet, 3. ...
Girls over 11: ...; L. [Elizabeth Georgina] Vienet, 2; ...
Apprentice race (boys): A. Vienet, 1;
Walking match (boys): A. Vienet, 1; ...
Walking match (girls): ...; E. [Emma Rose] Vienet, 3. ...
Sand Castle (boys): A. Vienet, 1; ...
Sand Castle (girls): E. Vienet, 1; ... and L. Vienet, 2;
...
Quite a feature of the return in the Coogee, and one which interested the passengers, was the capable singing of patriotic songs by the children .... The picnic was voted one of the most successful yet held by the institution.[Geelong Advertiser, 29 Mar 1915]

Note: There are no references to the Vienet children in the report of the distribution of prizes for Christmas 1915.